Tells the story of seventeen year-old J (Josh) as he navigates his survival amongst an explosive criminal family and the detective who thinks he can save him. {official site}
HIS review
I had heard the hype preceding this film and tried to keep expectations in tact. But wow, I had nothing to fear, this movie is brilliant. From the opening scene, the dark theme is set. This isn’t a crime drama that is filled with action, and the film tends to keep a slow, steady, yet solid pace. The acting is just superb. Jacki Weaver is scarily brilliant as Janine Cody, the mother (and real leader) of the family. Guy Pearce is as solid as ever, Ben Mendelsohn and Joel Edgerton are great. I could go on, but suffice to say, the acting will not disappoint. There were moments in the film that I feared it was losing it’s way slightly, but David Michôd steered it back brilliantly, creating scenes that keep you entranced, as we watch J navigate his way through his criminal family. Go and watch this film! It has already won a Grand Jury Prize at Sundance Film Festival 2010 and will surely win more. A great Australian film.
HER review
In the first 20 minutes of the film I was thinking “oh no, this is not going anywhere fast…” but I was very pleasantly surprised. It did start to go somewhere and that place was good! It was a clever film, with some great actors who will surely raise the profile of Australian cinema. It is a slow burner but once it gets going you don’t want it to end. The gun shots were louder than anything else and made me jump a mile out of my seat, so prepare for that if you’re a bit jumpy! I’d definitely watch this one again.
What the public think
IMDb – 8.6 | Rotten Tomatoes – 100%
Trailer
If you are having trouble viewing this video, please click here.
Related posts:
Follow Clockwork Movies
